Member of the Month

 

February 26 – Neil Cooper

February 26 – Neil Cooper

Criteria for February was attending four or more training sessions in the month, Neil says:

Thank you ever so much for the member of the month prize – I am that person who never wins anything so it was a very pleasant surprise! I still consider myself a new member as I joined the club following a recommendation from my wife’s uncle after returning to the area with work in 2022. I was immediately struck by how welcoming, friendly and all inclusive regardless of ability the club was, plus last year while I was ill the club was incredibly supportive, encouraging and helpful I will be forever grateful – thank you.

Neil

January 26 – Mark Knowlson

January 26 – Mark Knowlson

Criteria for January was taking part in Captain Cook’s fell race, Mark says:

Winning the member of the month award is a nice surprise. I started running in 2019 and most of my running was done on my own, so in 2023 I joined the club to add some structure to training and variety to my running. I really enjoy the club and think every committee member, coach, volunteer and anyone else who contributes to the club deserves so much credit for making it brilliant to be a part of.

Thanks again
Mark

December 25 – Vanessa Arthur

December 25 – Vanessa Arthur

Criteria for December was taking part in or supporting the Christmas handicap. Vanessa says: 

Thanks very much for the December Member of the Month award.  It was a lovely surprise.

I’ve really enjoyed my first year as a member of the Harriers and have seen real benefits from the structured training. I’ve liked trying out new things such as time trials, cross country and the Cleveland Way Relays and it’s been great getting to know other club members.

I’m thinking of putting the voucher towards my next pair of running shoes and will no doubt be tempted to buy other “non-essential” things too when I’m in the shop!

Thanks again

Vanessa

November 25 – Rob Burn

November 25 – Rob Burn

Criteria for November was chosen by the committee. Rob was chosen for his outstanding volunteering contribution to TaSH over the years. His role in the club is a huge factor in the club achieving the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Rob says:

Everyone has a story. Everyone has a dream. Take time out in your life to listen to these stories. Help and encourage others to live their dream.
Don't leave to do tomorrow what you could and should be doing today. Today is your future. Tomorrow is too late.
Remember, it's not always about winning (oh yes it is!!). It's about being the best you can be at whatever you do. Always.
I am proud to receive the November member of the month voucher for doing work towards achieving the King's Award. It's work I thoroughly enjoyed doing.
It was me just being me. Thank you. The voucher will be put to good use.
Love and best wishes as always. Rob 
October 25 – Esther Harrison

October 25 – Esther Harrison

Criteria for October was taking part in or supporting the Gormire Gamble fell race. Esther says: 

Thank you TaSH, the gift was well received and spent immediately. The gift couldn’t have been received at a better time as I needed a new pair of trainers for the HM55 attempt in March. Gormire Gamble is one of my favourite races with its technical up and downs and gorgeous views if you get lucky with the weather. 
September 25 – Sean Parle

September 25 – Sean Parle

Criteria for September was attending four or more training sessions in the month. Sean says:

Thanks everyone for the gift, I wasn't expecting it at all. I've really enjoyed my time with the Harriers these last few months, such a great group of awesome kind people. Shout out to my mum (Cathy) who roped me into coming in the first place 🙂 See you all at the next one!
August 25 – Clare Tempest

August 25 – Clare Tempest

Criteria for August was taking part in or supporting the Sessay Swift race. Clare says:

Thank you so much for the voucher, I really enjoy being part of Thirsk & Sowerby Harriers!
July 25 – Joe Poole

July 25 – Joe Poole

Criteria for July was chosen by the committee for stopping to help another runner at the Swaledale marathon in June, sacrificing his own time to do so. Joe says:

Wow, I’m really grateful to be nominated for Member of the Month. I first found my love for running when I lived in Spain, and it’s been such a great part of my life ever since. Being part of this club has made it even better — everyone’s encouragement and good vibes make it so easy to keep showing up. Big thanks to the club for always pushing and inspiring me. I have to admit, I’ve started preferring the longer races… mostly because it means a bit more time out of the house away from the kids! 😄 I’m hoping to be more consistent with the running club and keep improving together!

June 25 – Martyn Coy

June 25 – Martyn Coy

Criteria for June was attending four or more training sessions in the month. 

Martyn says:
It was a lovely surprise to get the nod for Member of the Month. I'd missed a few training sessions as I'd been preparing for a triathlon and had to mix my training up a bit. Thanks for the voucher which I'll try to spend wisely.  
Here's a photo of me trying to sweat off some holiday beers! 
All the best Martyn
May 2025 – Anna Whitham

May 2025 – Anna Whitham

Criteria for May was taking part in or supporting the time trial. 

Anna says:
Thank you so much for selecting me as Member of the Month for May. I really value being part of TaSH. While I may not be there every week, I always feel the support and friendliness from the club.
I've been a member for around six years now, and in that time the club and its members have helped me run faster and further than I ever thought possible. I never imagined I’d complete an ultramarathon, let alone the Hardmoors 55. That achievement is entirely thanks to the support and guidance of the incredible people in this club.
I absolutely love running with TaSH. It truly is the best!
April 25 – Rose Kruger

April 25 – Rose Kruger

Criteria for April was taking part in or supporting the Hooded Horse race. 

Rose says:
I'm so honoured to be the random winner this month! I'd like to steal the opportunity to thank everyone who makes TaSH work – really, thank you for everything you do to keep the club so wonderful. Joining Harriers helped me through one of the toughest times of my life. There is such a contagious positive energy at every session, and the kindness and warmth I was shown meant a lot to me as a newcomer (well, new-come-back-er) to the town. 
On top of that, it is thanks to TaSH that I discovered a love for fell running and now have a new pair of kicks from Let's Run! It really is the club that just keeps giving!
March 25 – Adrian Wood

March 25 – Adrian Wood

Criteria for March was taking part in or supporting the Thirsk 10 race. Adrian says:
I have been a member of Harriers for nearly two years and in that time have really enjoyed both the training, competition and social aspects of the club.

The spirit of inclusivity and enthusiasm of all the coaches and members is exceptional, and I feel very lucky to have found a club that caters to everyone's aspirations and wellbeing.
The variety that the club puts into both our training and race programs means that there is always something for everyone, and it is great to see that every member's success means so much to everyone.
Finally in a time when everything seems to have a high cost, the value we get from our club is incredible both in races and social events.
I look forward to remaining a Harrier for a long time to come!
Many thanks, Adey Wood.